Family of US Citizen Who Died in Ecuador Awaits Trial

SUGARLAND, Texas, March 24, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The family of Leslie Allison, a US citizen allegedly murdered in Ecuador in January 2016, awaits the outcome of her alleged murderer's trial, which will be held on March 30, 2017.

Leslie Allison

35-year-old Leslie had traveled to Ecuador many times in the past, touring the country and learning about its people. On January 12, 2016, she arrived in the jungle to participate in a lengthy natemamu (ayahuasca) group ceremony led by Miguel Chiriap, a shaman and member of the indigenous Shuar tribe. The ceremony ended abruptly for Leslie, leaving her dead in the group's camp.

Originally, Leslie's death was reported as accidental, the result of a poor reaction to the herbs and other ingredients in the ayahuasca, or perhaps a heart defect. However, during the autopsy by Dr. Katherine Pacheco, it was found that the cause of death was a broken neck due to severe blunt force trauma. Additionally, Leslie had sustained massive bruising over her body, including bruising of the lungs, and a nearly two-inch open wound to her chin.

According to a witness, no medical attention was sought and the organizers did not call authorities to report the death immediately. The time of death was approximately 10:00pm Thursday per the autopsy and authorities were contacted Friday. Instead, her clothes were changed and body moved to a hidden area. Suspicious of Miguel Chiriap, the only person present with Leslie at her death, investigators interviewed and charged him with culpable homicide.

The Allison family was informed on March 10, 2017 that the trial would be held on March 30, 2017 in Macas, leaving them no time to arrange for witnesses, expert testimony or other logistics. Moreover, the prosecutor assigned to the case for the last year no longer holds his position. The new prosecutor assigned is unfamiliar with the details of the case due to the short period of time since his appointment. All requests for extensions or rescheduling have been ignored.

About the Family: Leslie Allison's family lives in Texas, near the city of Houston. They have continued to search for answers and closure in the year since her death, but the recent developments of the trial of her accused have them concerned if justice will be served.